Lane control for folding machine



y 1, 1956 5.1-1. SPRECKELMEIER 2,743,921

LANE CONTROL FOR FOLDING MACHINE Filed Feb. 15, 1952 IN V EN TOR.

Eawuv H. JPRECKELME'IER ATTORNI Yd United States Patent LANE CONTROL FOR FOLDING MACHINE Edwin H. Spreckelmeier, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The American Laundry Machinery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio 7 Application February 15, 1952, Serial No. 271,780

8 Claims. (Cl. 270-81) The invention relates to novel and improved control means for a two-lane flatwork folding machine. While such flatwork may be of diversified nature, it will be hereby described with specific reference to the folding of laundry articles such as sheets, tablecloths, and the like.

Such two-lane folders usually comprise duplicate sets of continuous conveyors, such as movable endless ribbons, running side by side in the same plane, each set or lane being provided with a folding means, such as a suitable folding blade adapted to move transversely to the direction of movement of the work piece, both blades being disposed side by side in co-linear relationship. Each lane is provided with its own individual timing control means so that articles narrow enough to lie within the lateral confines of a single lane are folded under the control of the respective timing control for that lane.

In a two-lane coupled system the above is true for each lane, but coupling means is provided for the operation of both folding means simultaneously when an article wide enough to overlap at least a portion of each lane is traveling on the conveyor. Such folding means will hereinafter for convenience be termed a folding blade or folding blades.

The initiating impulse to start operation of the timer control usually consists of article-actuatable finger members located in their respective lanes. Theoretically if an article wide enough to overlap both lanes were fed to the folder it could operate both sets of fingers to initiate both sets of timing control means, and eventually the folding blades for both lanes would operate simultaneously. Actually this does not work out too well in practice. For one reason, very few wide articles come through the folder with the leading edge perpendicular to the direction of travel, due either to being fed askew or to the shape of the piece itself. In such case the control fingers in one lane are actuated ahead of those in the other lane, and the results of non-simultaneous operation of two blades on one article can Well be imagined, hence the need for a coupling device wherein, preferably, the folding blades for each lane are linked in some way so as to-be responsive, simultaneously, to one timer, generally through the instrumentality of a control finger located between the lanes. Sometimes manual coupling means has been used whereby an operator mechanically couples the folding blades when an article comes through which is wide enough to overlap both lanes.

Controls of the above nature for coupling two-lane folding machines have previously been devised and operated. They have had certain specific disadvantages and have been of rather complex structure, mechanically or electrically.

An object of the present invention has been to achieve a coupling and timing control'adaptable for both individual lane operation and coupled operation, and capable of effecting consistent, uniform folding responsive to article length in either narrow or wide articles. A furtherv object of the invention is to provide a simplitied coupling control while reducing the number of com- 2,743,921 Patented May 1, 1956 ICC.

ponents, and thereby reducing the cost and making maintenance and trouble shooting easier. 7

A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling control as defined in the last two preceding paragraphs, wherein the number of operations of the control components are reduced, thereby extending the troublefree life of the said components.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a study of the following specification, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuits for a lane controller of coupling type, mechanical elements associated therewith being shown schematically.

Fig. 2 is fragmentary side elevation, somewhat simplified, showing timing control means for a single lane, adapted to initiate actuation of a folding blade after the lapse of a time period automatically controlled by article length. This mechanical adjunct of the invention is. disclosed in greater detail in a co-pending application of Russell G. McLagan, Serial No. 148,453, filed March 8, 1950, for Proportional Sequence Control, now U. S. Patent No. 2,659,598.

Speaking first generally as to the character of my novel coupling controller, when narrow articles are being folded in the separate lanes, the elements in each lane operate in normal manner, and the coupling control is dissociated therefrom and inoperative. When a work piece comes through which has an overlap on both lanes the coupling control is actuated. The coupling control comprises two main sections; the first section is adapted to electrically couple the measuring switches of the two lanes, while eliminating one of the timer units; the second section assures simultaneous operation of the folding members by cutting out the individual blade actuators (in this case solenoids) and putting in the operating circuit a third solenoid, which is mechanically effective on both folder mechanisms.

In previous coupling controls, when an overlapping work piece had passed through, and had been folded under coupled control, the lanes became uncoupled, and had 'to be reactuated or recoupled by a following overlapping piece. In my present control only the measuring portion of the control is reactuated by each successive piece, the lanes remaining coupled until a work piece comes through which is narrow enough to lie only on one lane. Passage of such a narrow piece uncouples the .two lanes.

Referring now to the drawings the ribbon conveyor 10 carries articles from right to left across the top of Fig. 1. A narrow work piece on the left lane will intercept and depress measuring fingers 3L. A narrow work piece on the right lane will intercept and depress measuring fingers 3R. An overlapping work piece will intercept and depress the coupling finger 2, and also fingers 3L and 3R. Thereafter the article feeds downbehind (to the right of) one or both of the folding blades 4L, 4R. Speaking of one-lane operation if the article is to be folded at the one-quarter and three-quarter points, the blade swings to the right when the one-quarter point of the article is in registry therewith, whereupon the article loops to the front (left) of the blade until the threequarter point of the article is reached, at which point the timer causes forward swing of the blade to registry with the bite of folding rolls 5L or 5R, so asto cause both folds to be effected simultaneously.

The operation for the othersingle lane is, of course,

similar, and when the lanes are coupled both bladesare actuated simultaneously.

The backward and forward swings of the folding blades may be accomplished by any suitable type of actuating mechanism, and in the present instance I. have indicated the'useof actuating cams6L, 6R which are rotated through 180 each time a clutch mechanism is operated respectively by operating arms 7L or 7R. These arms are moved by suitable timed energization of respective solenoids 8L, 8R. For coupled operations the arms 7L, 7R are actuated simultaneously by a linkage 10 responsive to energization of the coupling solenoid 9.

This specific type of arm, cam, and clutch mechanism is fully shown and described in U. S. Patent No. 2,506,803, granted May 9, 1950, to C. S. Malott, and need not be more fully described here. The clutch is conventionally known as a half revolution clutch.

As the description proceeds it will be obvious that the present invention may be applied to a folder of the ated by successive articles, the alternating choice of a timing unit for a respective article being controlled by a selector device.

Since in the following description of the operation of the coupling control reference will necessarily be made to a plurality of electrical circuits which are individually completed or broken during the operation of the control under a respective plurality of assumed conditions, the circuits will be individually numerically identified as they are each described, particularly for convenience of later reference, for example, by terms such as Circuit 1, Circuit 2," etc.

Assume now that the folder is in normal uncoupled condition, and that a narrow (non-overlapping) article is fed from right to left (Fig. l) on the left lane only of the conveyor. It will miss finger 2 of the coupling switch S2 which is situated directly between the lanes. Since this switch S2 is the prime initiator of the coupling operation, no coupling takes place in the instance now assumed. The fingers 3L are spaced all across the left lane, and will be depressed by the leading edge of the article so as to rock the shaft 11L and operate the threeswitch gang S3, MSL, and S4.

It the front edge of the article is askew, the leading portion will contact one of the fingers and rock the switch shaft just as though the whole front edge were transversely aligned with said leading portion. Similarly the trailing edge will have its rearmost portion effective on one of the fingers, and since the article is measured by the rocking of shaft 11L (or 11R) the measurement will correspond to the distance between the foremost and rearmost points, and folds based on such measurement will have no protruding points.

When shaft 11L is thus rocked, an arm or cam 12L on the end of the shaft operates the three switch arms S3, MSL, and S4 previously mentioned. For the time being the movement of arms S3 and S4 is inefiective, but the closing of switch MSL establishes a circuit to energize a solenoid 13L of the left lane timer as follows:

Circuit No. 1: From L1 through conductors 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, switch MSL in closed position, conductors and 21, switch S7, conductor 22, solenoid 131., and conductors 23, 24, and to L2.

This energization of solenoid 13L initiates a proportional measurement timing. In the embodiment shown two separate timing devices are set in action simultaneously, each of which runs to its end point independently of the other, one timing device eventually determining the location of a first fold, say at the one-quarter point of the article, and the other determining the location of the second fold, say at the three-quarter point. One such device is illustrated in Fig. 2. The construction of the other is identical. A driving element 26a, forming one part of friction clutch 26, is rotated continuously at a speed in synchronism with the conveyor 10. A positive non-slip clutch 27 has the cooperating elements 27a, 27b. Members 27b and 26b are connected by an axial boss 28 so that they must necessarily rotate together, and they are slidable endwise on shaft 29 by a lever 30, pivoted at 31. Lever 30 is swingable counterclockwise by a tie link from the armature of solenoid 13L, and the lever is biased clockwise by a tension spring 32. It will be apparent that in the normal or resting position of Fig. 2, and with clutch element 26:: rotating counterclockwise as viewed from the right, the tied elements 26b, 27b cannot rotate because a pin 33 on 27b abuts lever 30, this position being permitted by the friction sliding engagement of members 26a, 26b.

If lever 30 be swung counterclockwise by energization of solenoid 13L, the abutment between pin 33 and lever 30 will be freed, and members 2711 and 27b are moved to a positive clutch engagement. Member 27a is being driven at a fractional portion of the speed of member 26a (75% in the case of the first quarter fold unit) and member 27b continues to rotate with 27a until the trailing edge of the article leaves fingers 3L at which time circuit No. l hereinabove outlined is broken at switch MSL, whereupon solenoid 13L is de-energized, and spring 32 moves member 26b into engagement with 26a whereupon member 27b now continues to rotate in the same direction, but at the same speed as 26a. Eventually a cam or trip 34 on 27b engages a switch arm and closes switch S8 so as to energize a solenoid 8L by means of circuit No. 2, as follows:

Circuit No. 2: From L1 through conductors 14, 15, 35, switch S8, conductors 36 and 37, normally closed switch blade S9, conductors 38 and 39, normally closed blade "11 of a ganged switch operated by relay coil CR3, conductor 40, contacts a of pushbutton contactor PS, conductors 41 and 42, solenoid coil 8L and conductors 43, 44, 24 and 25 to L2.

Energization of solenoid 8L causes swinging movement of folding blade 4L as previously described so as to execute the first fold. If a second fold is contemplated, another timing unit (not shown but identical with that in Fig. 2) operates a switch S10 (Fig. 1) through a circuit identical with circuit No. 2 above except that, instead of proceeding through conductors 15, 35, switch S8, conductor 36 to conductor 37, it proceeds through conductors 15, 16, 46, switch S10 and conductor 47 to conductor 37, the balance of the circuit going as before. This causes another energization of clutch solenoid 8L to execute the second fold.

A narrow article traveling in the right hand lane causes operation of switches S11, MSR and S12, and at the moment only MSR becomes eifective through circuit No. 3 to energize timer solenoid 13R as follows: from L1 through conductors 14-, 15, 16, 17, 18, 49, 50, 51, switch blade MSR, conductors 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, switch blade CRl-a operated by solenoid CR1, conductors 57 and 58, solenoid 13R, and conductors 59 and 25 to L2.

Energization of solenoid 13R operates the timer to eventually close switch S13 so as to complete a circuit to the solenoid 8R operating the right lane folding blade 4R as follows:

Circuit No. 4: From L1 through conductors 14, 15, 16, 17, 60 and 61 to switch S13 and thence through conductors 62, 63, and 64, switch blade CR3-b, conductor 65, switch contact PS-b, conductors 66 and 67,'solenoid 8R, and conductors 68, 69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2.

Energization of solenoid 8R operates at cam 6R to swing arm 4R for the first fold in the right lane. A second switch S14 may be operated by a second energization of solenoid 13R to effect another energization of solenoid 8R for a second fold on a narrow article in the right lane. This circuit would correspond to circuit No. 4 except that it would proceed from conductor 60 through conductor 71, switch S14, and conductor 72 to con ductor 63 instead of conductor 61, switch S13, and con- I ductor 62 to conductor 63.

In individual lane operation the relays CRI and CR3 do not operate, although several of the foregoing circuits may be observed to include normally closed switch blades adapted to be operated by said relays, when energized.

When a wide article comesthrough having atleast a portion overlapping both-lanes, it first operates coupling switch S2 so as to energize relay CR1 by means of the following circuit: f 7

Circuit No. 5: From L1 through conductors 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 49, 50 and 73, switch S2, conductor 74, coil CR1, and conductors 75, 76, 69, 70, 44,24 and 25 to L2.

Energizatiori of relay CR1 in turn energizes relay CR3 through the following circuit:

Circuit No. 6: From L1 through conductors 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 49, 77, switch "b'of the gang operated by CR1, conductor 78, relay coil CR3, conductors 79, 76, v

69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2. This establishes a holding circuit to coil CR3 as follows: i

Circuit No. 7: From L1 through conductors 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 49, 50, 51, and 80, switch S11, conductor 81, switch S3, conductor 82, switch of the gang operated by coil CR3 (now energized by circuit No. 6) conductor 83, coil CR3, and conductors 79, 76, 69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2.

The ,two lanes are now coupled by circuit No. 6 and the coupling is maintained by circuit No. 7.

When the leading edge of the article actuates the measuring fingers 3L and 3R a circuit is closed to the left'lane measuring timer through either switch MSL or MSR depending on which lane fingers are first contacted. If the left lane fingers 3L are contacted first the circuit is as follows:

Circuit No. 8: From L1,,conductors 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, switch MSL, conductors and 21, switch S7, conductor 22, coil 13L, and conductors 23, 24 and to L2..

If the right lane fingers are the first ones actuated, the

circuit will be as follows:

Circuit No. 9: From L1 through conductors 14, 15,

16, 17, 18, 49, 50, 51, switch MSR, conductors 52, 53, 54, 84, switch CR1-c, conductors 85 and 21, switch S7, conductor 22 to coil13L and thence through conductors 23, 24'and 25 to L2. The right lane timer including coil 13R has been cut out because switch blade CR1-a in circuit therewith (circuit No. 3) has been opened by energization of coil CR1 (by circuit No. 5).

The actuation of the fingers 3L and 3R also closes switches S4 and S12. This results in the establishment :of several auxiliary circuits now dependent onthe ciri 16, 17, 18, 19, switch MSL, conductors 20, 85, switch CR1-c, conductors 84, 54, 53 and 88, switch S12, conductors 89 and 87, switch CR1-d, coil CR1, and conduc tors 75, 76, 69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2. It will be notedthat the significant difference between circuits 10 and 11' istthat circuit 10 goes through switch S4, and

circuit 11 goes through switch S12.

Circuit No. 12: From L1, hrough conductors 14, 15,

'16, 17, 18, 49, 50, 51, switch MSR, conductors 52 and 88, switch S12, conductors 89 and 87, switch CR1-d, coil CR4, and conductors 75, 76, 69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2.

Circuit No. 13: From L1 through conductors 14, 15,

. 16, 17, 18, 49, 50, 51, switch MSR, conductors 52, 53,

switch S4, conductors 86 and 87, switch CR1-d, coil CR1,

and conductors 75,76, 69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to' L2.

When the trailing edge of the article releases the coupling switch S2, relay CR1 is maintained through circuits 10, 11, 12 and 13. It will be remembered that this relay, CR1, was energized through circuit No. 5, and there is a shunt circuit, No. 7, through switches S3 and $11 in series. While the article is passing the measuring I fingers 3L and 3R, switches S3 and S11 are held open, but they close when the trailing edge passes. When the trailing edge of the article has passed the measuring fingers 3L and 3R, the circuits to coil CR1 are broken by the opening of lane switch MSL in circuit No. 10, MSR in circuit No. 12, switch S4 in circuit No. 10, and switch S12 in circuit No. 12. De-energization of coil CR1 causes opening of circuit No. 6, at switch CR1-b, but coil CR3 in said circuit is not de-energized because the normally closed lane switches S3 and S11 are again closed, and circuit No. 7 is effective to maintain coil CR3 energized. Circuit No. 7 is completed before circuit No. 6 breaks due to the momentary lag in the opening of relay CR1. Thus CR3 remains energized through S3 and S11 in series.

The article moves on to the folding point, and fold ing is accomplished as a result of actuation of timer switch S8 through the following circuit:

Circuit No. 14: From L1 through conductors 14, 15

and 35, switch S8, conductors 36 and 37, switch S9, conductor 38, switch CR3c, conductor 90, solenoid coil 9, conductors 91, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2. Energization of solenoid coil 9 of course effects simultaneous actuation of the two blades 4L and 4R as heretofore described. When a second actuation of folding means in required, it is produced by means of timer actuation of switch S10 except that the circuit portion -15, 35, S8, 36 and 37-- of circuit No. 14 becomes -15, 16, 46, S10, 47 and 37-. It may be noted that it is relay CR3 which routes the folding impulse from the left lane timer to the central solenoid 9 through switch CR-c while breaking the left lane circuit path (circuit No. 2) to the left lane solenoid 8L at switch CR3-a.

It is a novel characteristic of the present lane control that the relay CR3 remains energized through circuit No. 7, so that a following article, if wide enough to overlap at least a portion of both lanes, will continue to be measured and folded as above described upon energization of coil CR1.

If a narrow article should now come along it misses the central coupling switch S2, and will be measured by its particular timer in the left or right lane, timer circuits No. l or 3. As the fingers inthe particular lane are operated, one of the series-connected normally closed lane switches S3, S11, is opened, thereby breaking the holding circuit No. 7 for coil CR3, so as to cut out central solenoid 9.

The switch CR1-d is provided, in normally open position, to prevent a circuit being made to coil CR1 during right lane folding. CR1 of course is intended to be energized only in coupled-lane folding. If the normally open contact were not provided, then a one-lane narrow article on the right lane would close circuit No. 12 through MSR, S12, CR1-d, and coil CR1. I

So far I have described a novel and improved automatic lane coupler of simple and eifective nature. It sometimes becomes desirable after a service stop or some interruption in the ordinary routine or malfunction of an element such as a clutch, to set the folding'blades in correct phase or working relationship to the first and second fold timers. This is especially needed in a folder at present in commercial use, conventionally known as the Alba folder, wherein one folding blade makes both the first fold by a swing in one direction, and a second fold by a return swingin the opposite direction. Therefore, when the electrical impulse is transmitted to the folder solenoid (8L for example) by switch S8, the blade 4L must be in the forward (left) position, and similarly when switch S10 transmits the next electrical impulse the blade 4L must be in its rearward (right) position,

To restore the blade to proper starting position the switch PS can be operated in the following manner.

If blade 41. is in its right position (improper for starting) operation of push button switch PS closes a circuit as follows:

Circuit No. From L1 through conductors 14, 93, 94, switch contactor PS-a, conductor 95, switch S5 (closed by small cam 96 in this clutch position), conductors 97 and 42 to solenoid 8L, and conductors 4-4, 24 and to L2. The clutch effects a 180-degree rotation, causing the blade to move to its forward position. Cam 96 is now incapable of operating switch S5, so that an operation of pushbutton PS when the blade is in proper phase has no effect on the blade. In like manner if the right lane blade 4R is improperly in the rear, operation of PS completes the following circuit:

Circuit No. 16: From 1,1, conductors 1.4, 93 and 98, switch contact PS-b, conductor 99, switch S6, closed by small clutch cam 100, and conductors it)?! and 67 to solenoid SR, and thence by conductors 68, 69, 70, 44, 24 and 25 to L2. This circuit energizes solenoid 8R and moves blade 4R to correct forward position.

Another accessory hookup is provided for a switchover from the left lane timer to the right lane timer (or vice versa), said left lane timer having so far been described as doing the timing work not only for its own lane but also for coupled operations involving both lanes. It becomes desirable to have a switchover arrangement to permit a service stop for the left lane timer while the right lane timer takes care of its own lane and also coupled operation. This is accomplished by push button X, to which are ganged the switch blades S1, S7 and S9.

if button X is moved to the right (Fig. 1) the circuit to the left lane timer (circuit No. 1) is broken at. switch S7. Switch S1, now closed, shunts out the relay contact CRl-n, which previously had been used to break the circuit to the right lane timer in coupled measuring. This shunt is from CRl-a by conductors 56 and 102 to switch S1, and conductors 103 and 57 to the other side of CRl-u. The switch S9 breaks the former circuit (circuit No. 14) to the central clutch solenoid 9 and sets up a new circuit from the right lane timer to the common clutch, the left terminal of switch blade S9, formerly in communication with the left lane timer through conductor 37, being now in open circuit, and the right terminal of switch S9, now in closed circuit, going to the right lane timer by conductors 104 and 63, the common terminal going to the central solenoid 9 as before described.

What I claim is:

l. Coupling means for a multi-lane folder of the type comprising a first lane, first folding means for articles traveling on said lane, first operating means for causing actuation of said first folding means, and a first timer responsive to article travel on said lane and effective to energize said first operating means, and likewise comprising a second lane, a second folding means for articles traveling in said second lane, second operating means for causing actuation of said second folding means, and a second timer responsive to article travel in said second lane and effective to energize said second operating means, said first operation means including a first movable actuator operatively effective, when moved, to cause folding movement of said first folding means, and a first solenoid operatively effective on said first actuator to produce actuation thereof when said first solenoid is energized, said second operating means including a second movable actuator operatively effective, when moved, to cause folding movement of said second folding means, and a second solenoid operatively effective on said second actuator to produce actuation thereof when said second solenoid is energized, said coupling means also including a third operating means including a movable member operatively effective, when moved, to abut and cause simultaneous movement of said first and second actuators,

and a third solenoid operatively effective on said movable member when said third solenoid is energized, a coupling switch situated between said first lane and said second lane, and sensitive to the passage of an overlapping article, electric circuit means operatively responsive to actuation of said coupling switch by said overlapping article and effective to energize said first timer, and other electric circuit means operatively connected to said first timer and said third operating means, whereby passage of such overlapping article actuates said coupling switch, energizes said first timer to institute timing operation thereof, and eventually causes operation of said third operating means to operate said first and second folding means simultaneously, and means for rendering one said timer and said first and second operating means ineffective during a timing and folding operation on such overlapping article.

2. Coupling means as defined in claim 1 wherein means is provided for rendering said third operating means ineffective when an article is traveling only on said first or second lane.

3. Coupling means as defined in claim 1 wherein said coupling switch is spaced away from, and ahead of, both said folding means, whereby to be actuated and released, whenever occurring, :1 time interval prior to operation of both said folding means.

4. Coupling means for a multi-lane folder of the type comprising a first lane, first folding means for articles traveling on said lane, first operating means for causing actuation of said first folding means, and a first timer responsive to article travel on said lane and effective to energize said first operating means, and likewise compris' ing a second lane, second folding means for articles traveling in said second lane, second operating means for causing actuation of said second folding means, and a second timer responsive to article travel in said second lane and effective to energize said second operating means, said coupling means including a third operating means which, when energized, is operatively effective simultaneously on said first and second folding means to cause simultaneous actuation thereof, a coupling switch situated between said first lane and said second lane, and sensitive to the passage of an overlapping article, electric circuit means operatively responsive to actuation of said coupling switch by said overlapping article and effective to energize said first timer, and other electric circuit means operatively connected to said first timer and said third operating means, whereby passage of such overlapping article actuates said coupling switch, energizes said first timer to institute timing operation thereof, and eventually causes operation of said third operating means to operate said first and second folding means simultaneously, means for rendering one said timer and said first and second operating means ineffective during a tirning and folding operation on such overlapping article, and means to insure continued simultaneous action of said first and second folding means .in coupled condition as long as each such successive article overlaps both said lanes.

5. Coupling means for a multi-lane folder of the type comprising a first lane, first folding means for articles traveling on said lane, first operating means for causing actuation of said first folding means, and a first timer responsive to article travel on said lane and effective to energize said first operating means, and likewise comprising a second lane, second folding means for articles traveling in said second lane, second operating means for causing actuation of said second folding means, and a second timer responsive to article travel in said second lane and effective to energize said second operating means, said coupling means including a third operating means which, when energized, is operatively effective simultaneously on said first and second folding means to cause simultaneous actuation thereof, a coupling switch situated between said first lane and said second lane, and

sensitive to the passage of an overlapping article, electric circuit means operatively responsive to actuation of said coupling switch by said overlapping article and effective to energize said first timer, and other electric circuit means operatively connected to said first timer and said third operating means, whereby passage of such overlapping article actuates said coupling switch, energizes said first timer to institute timing operation thereof, and eventually causes operation of said third operating means to operate said first and second folding means simultaneously, means for rendering one said timer and said first and second operating means ineffective during a timing and folding operation on such overlapping article, a first measuring switch in said first lane, a second measuring switch in said second lane, each measuring switch being sensitive to and operated by passage of an article in its own lane, electric circuit means connecting said first measuring switch with said first timer when a narrow article intercepts said first measuring switch, and other electric circuit means connecting said second measuring switch with said second timer when a narrow article intercepts said second measuring switch, electric circuit means for electrically coupling said first and second measuring switches in a measuring circuit with said first timer when an overlapping article intercepts said coupling switch, maintaining means to insure continued simultaneous actuation of said first and second folding means in coupled condition as long as successive traveling articles continue to overlap both said lanes, and means for disabling said maintaining means so as to reinstate single lane operation when the next single lane article actuates either said measuring switch.

6. Coupling means for a multi-lane folder of the type comprising a first lane, first folding means for articles traveling on said lane, first operating means for causing actuation of said first folding means, and a first timer responsive to article travel on said lane and effective to energize said first operating means, and likewise comprising a second lane, second folding means for articles traveling in said second lane, second operating means for causing actuation of said second folding means, and a second timer responsive to article travel in said second lane and effective to energize said second operating means, said coupling means including a third operating means which, when energized, is operatively effective simultaneously on said first and second folding means to cause simultaneous actuation thereof, a coupling switch situated between said first lane and said second lane, and sensitive to the passage of an overlapping article, electric circuit means operatively responsive to actuation of said coupling switch by said overlapping article and effective to energize said first timer, and other electric circuit means operatively connected to said first timer and said third operating means, whereby passage of such overlapping article actuates said coupling switch, energizes said first timer to institute timing operation thereof, and eventually causes operation of said third operating means to operate said first and second folding means simultaneously, means for rendering one said timer and said first and second operating means ineffective during a timing and folding operation on such overlapping article, a first measuring switch in said first lane, a second measuring switch in said second lane, each measuring switch being sensitive to and operated by passage of an article in its own lane, electric circuit means connecting said first measuring switch with said first timer when a narrow article intercepts said first measuring switch, and other electric circuit means connecting said second measuring switch with said second timer when a narrow article intercepts said second measuring switch, and electric circuit means for coupling said first and second measuring switches in parallel in a measuring circuit effective on said first timer when an overlapping article intercepts said coupling switch whereby the leading and trailing portions of any article overlying either or both lanes determine the timing operation on said last named article.

7. Coupling means for a multi-lane folder of the type comprising a first lane, a first timer responsive to article travel on said first lane, a second lane, a second timer responsive to article travel on said second lane, folding means for folding articles traveling on said lanes, and operating means responsive to operation of either said timer for causing actuation of said folding means, said coupling means including a coupling switch situated between said first and second lane, and sensitive to the passage of an overlapping article, a first measuring switch in said first lane, a second measuring switch in said second lane, each measuring switch being sensitive to and operated by passage of an article in its own lane, electric circuit means operatively responsive to the actuation of said coupling switch by said overlapping article, and effective to couple said measuring switches in operative relationship with said first timer, whereby passage of such overlapping article actuates said coupling switch, and energizes said first timer to institute timing operation thereof, and eventually cause operation of said operating means, and maintaining means adapted to insure coupled response of said operating means to said first timer from the time the trailing portion of the article leaves the coupling switch until said operating means actuates said folding means.

8. Coupling means as defined in claim 6 wherein said coupling switch is spaced from said measuring switches in the direction from which the article is approaching, and means for maintaining said parallel circuit coupling of said measuring switches after said coupling switch is released by the trailing edge of said article and until said measuring switches are released.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,519,733 Kohn Dec. 16, 1924 2,222,076 Kahn Nov. 19, 1940 2,275,964 Johnson Mar. 10, 1942 

